IZ HISTORIJE SOKOLARSTV A U DUBROVAČKOM ZALEĐU U SREDNJEM VIJEKU (Uzgoj ptica za lov i lov pticama)
From the History of Falconry in the Ragusan Hinterland during the Middle Ages (Breeding of Birds of Prey and Hunting with Birds)

Summary/Abstract: Falconry represented a signifcant segment of social life in the Ragusan hinterland during the Middle Ages. Even though it was essentially a symbol of the privileged classes, hunting still encompassed all social strata. To ones it was recreation, relaxation or excercise whereas to others it was usual work which provided them with existential means. Hunting with a tamed falcon, as was enjoyed by the aristocracy, was the eventual result, a peak of a pyramid in which the training of a bird was considered to be a very important practical and preparatory part of existence. Bosnian rulers used to present the V enetians with tamed birds as can be seen from the times of Kings Ostoja and Stjepan Tomas. Through several archival documents about the training, robbing and buying of birds we gain a clearer picture about the development of falconry in the Ragusan hinterland during the Middle Ages. We lack the information about numerous issues such as training details, organized forms of falconers and hunting with birds, which is a result of scarce and fragmentary available sources. The presented contracts about training of birds and complaints about bird robbing, together with already known signs, such as the motives on the medieval Bosnian tombstones - stecci, as well as comparative examples from neighbouring areas, hint that falconry in the Ragusan hinterland was signifcantly developed. These suitable conditions for hunting, professional bird trainers, a remarkable position of tamed birds amongst other possessions of value which were often subject to robberies, and their training which was a craft in itself, enabled the increasing development of falconry in the Ragusan hinterland.

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